Devotion:
Read Matthew 25:31-45.
Following Jesus is not just about “me, me, me.” The scriptures many times challenge us to spend our lives helping others. Jesus parallels serving others with serving God. Frequently our lives become dominated by our own plans and lives. Our schedules may be taken up with important, good things to do. Yet we often only focus on our own lives and miss out on the opportunities God gives us to make room for others.
Matthew repeatedly emphasizes that if we love God, we will naturally begin to love others. Love in action is not just for the people closest to us but also for people who are invisible, marginalized, suffering, and in need. So often they are the messy people that take time and effort to help. But when we care for such people, we are actually showing our love for Jesus. For many of us, showing hospitality tends to be shared time with friends and family. But do we consider hospitality as an active expression of our faith? The Bible calls us to welcome the stranger and practice hospitality. Hospitality calls for Christians to be ready for the unexpected, even when it is not convenient or easy. While our deeds of compassion and mercy are not the means by which we enter God’s kingdom, they show that we are part of God’s family, and it is a great way to witness our love.
Personal Worship Option:
Lord, help us to see and act on the opportunities you give us to care for others. Give us compassion to care for others and help us be generous with our time and resources. Amen.
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